The Public Education Foundation offers a range of scholarships to help students at public schools reach their potential

Scholarships for 2026 – Closed
Thank you to all students who applied in the 2026 scholarship round. Applications are now closed and allocations have been made.

Scholarships for 2027 – Opening April-June 2026
PEF’s next scholarship cycle will open between April and June 2026, subject to funding. During that period, we will list scholarships for students in primary and secondary public schools to support their learning in 2027.

Students, parents and schools are encouraged to return during this period to explore opportunities and apply.

Remaining Opportunities – Apply Now
A small number of scholarships from the previous round remain open due to further opportunities. These scholarships can be applied for during Term 1, 2026, and generally close at the end of Term 1 (Thursday, 2 April 2026), unless otherwise stated on their individual listing and on PEF-Apply.

If you have any questions, please contact PEF’s Scholarships team by emailing scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au or call (02) 7814 2806.

Scholarship Location Year Overview Status
AEU South Australia Regional/Rural/Remote Indigenous Primary Scholarship SA K-3 Supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students attending South Australian public primary schools located in regional, rural or remote communities. The scholarship assists with educational expenses to help students engage, learn and succeed throughout their early school years, with funding provided for up to four years depending on year level at application. Open
Behrang Dehestani Scholarship NSW 4 Supports refugee and/or First Nations students experiencing financial hardship and other barriers to education, helping them stay engaged at school and continue their learning journey with confidence during critical transition years. Open
Scholarship Location Year Overview Status
Acacia Program Scholarship – Darwin NT NT 11-12 Supports high potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12 in the Darwin and Top End regions of the Northern Territory access financial support, mentoring and career advice. It aims to remove financial barriers and inspire students through connections with successful public school alumni working across diverse career paths. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Remote WA WA 11-12 Supports high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, attending public high schools in the Goldfields, Kimberley, Mid-West, East Pilbara, and West Pilbara regions, offering financial support, access to mentoring and career advice. It aims to help students facing disadvantage complete their schooling and explore diverse career paths by connecting them with inspiring public school alumni. Open
Acacia Program Scholarship – Sydney Central and Inner Metropolitan NSW 11-12 Provides financial support and mentoring to high-potential Year 10 students for Years 11 and 12, attending public high schools in Sydney’s Central, East, and Inner-West areas. It supports students facing disadvantage to complete their HSC and explore diverse career options through connections with successful public school alumni. Open
Behrang Dehestani Scholarship NSW 8 Supports refugee and/or First Nations students experiencing financial hardship and other barriers to education, helping them stay engaged at school and continue their learning journey with confidence during critical transition years. Open
Woodcock Family Scholarship – Upper Hunter Valley NSW 11-12 Supports high-potential Year 10 students from Muswellbrook, Scone, or Singleton High Schools in the Upper Hunter Valley who are experiencing hardship. The scholarship also includes mentoring and career advice to help students complete their HSC and explore further study or training. Open
Scholarship Location Year Overview Status
AEU National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship Australia-wide 12 (2025) Supports Indigenous students from public schools to begin and complete a tertiary teaching degree and enter the teaching profession. It provides up to $9,000 over three years (with possible relocation support) to reduce financial barriers and support study-related costs so scholars can successfully progress through university. Open
Teachers Health Tertiary Teaching Scholarship (QLD) QLD 12 (2025) Supports Queensland public school graduates to undertake a tertiary teaching degree and progress into the teaching profession. It provides up to $9,000 over three years to help cover essential study costs and remove financial barriers to completing university. Open